An Overview of Wireless Data Communications

Wide Area Cellular Services Wireless LANs Satellite Integrated Wireless Services

Wide Area Cellular Services

The Cellular Principle

Relies on the concept of concurrency
delivered through channel reuse i.e. reusing channels in different cells

Total coverage area is divided into cells

only a subset of channels available in each cell

All channels partitioned into sets

sets assigned to cells

Rule: assign the same set to two cells that are sufficient geographically distant so that interference is small Net result: increased capacity!

Advantages of Cellular Networks

More capacity due to spectral reuse Lower transmission power due to smaller transmitter/receiver distances More robust system as Base Station problem only effects the immediate cell More predictable propagation environment due to shorter distances

Disadvantages of Cellular Networks

Need for more infrastructure Need for fixed network to connect Base Stations Some residual interference from co-channel cells Handover procedure required

GSM Services - Phase 1

Service Category
Teleservices

Service
Speech Emergency SMS (Short Message Service) Group 3 Fax Asynchronous Data Synchronous Data Call Forward Call Barring

Comments
Full Rate 13Kbps Point to Point & Cell Broadcast 300 9600bps 300 9600bps Subscriber Busy, Not Reachable International & Incoming Calls

Bearer Services Supplementary Services

GSM Services - Phase 2

Service Category
Teleservices

Service
Speech Emergency SMS (Short Message Service) Group 3 Fax Synchronous Packet Data Access CLI (Calling Line Identification) Call Waiting Call Hold Multiparty USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) Operator Barring Advice on charge

Comments
Half Rate 6.5Kbps Point to Point & Cell Broadcast 2400 9600bps

Bearer Services Supplementary Services

GSM Services - Phase 2+

Primarily concerned with the improvement of Bearer (data!) services
Full data rate @ 14.4 kb/s High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) General Packet Radio Service GPRD)

Some additional supplementary services also specified

Architecture of a GSM Network

Mobile Station Base Station Subsystem Network Subsystem Other Networks PSTN BTS BSC MSC/ VLR GMSC

SIM

ME

PLMN

EIR
SD

HLR

AUC

Internet

Note: Interfaces have been omitted for clarity purposes.

Mobile Station (MS)

Mobile Equipment
Fixed Portable

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number Personal Identification Number (PIN) International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number Enables access to subscribed services Smart card

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

Base Transceiver Station - BTS

Usually referred to as the Base Station Provides the interface to the network for the MS Handles all communications with the MS Less intelligent than analogue equivalent
cheaper than analogue systems bypass analogue in less wealthy countries

intelligence now deployed on MS

for example, when to perform a handover

Transmitting power determines cell size

Base Station Controller - BSC

Controls Base Stations
up to several hundred depending on manufacturer

Manages radio channels

allocation and release

Coordinates Handover Physical location may vary Abis interface

between BSC and BTS

Mobile Switching Centre (MSC)

Performs all switching/exchange functions Handles
registration authentication location updating

A GSM network must have at least one MSC May connect to other networks
Gateway MSC (GMSC)

Home Location Register (HLR)

Administrative information for all subscribers

IMSI number actual phone number permitted supplementary services current location i.e. which VLR subscriber is currently registered with parameters for authentication and ciphering

One HLR per GSM PLMN

Integrating GPRS
Mobile Station Base Station Subsystem Network Subsystem Other Networks MSC/ VLR GMSC PSTN

SIM

ME

BTS

BSC

EIR

HLR

AUC

PLMN

SGSN
SD

GGSN

Internet

Note: Interfaces have been omitted for clarity purposes.

GPRS MS
Two Components
Mobile Terminal (MT) SIM card

Three Classes of terminal

Class A - simultaneous circuit switched (GSM) and packet switched (GPRS) traffic Class B- supports both GSM and GPRS connections but not both at the same time. One call is suspended for the duration of the other Class C - handless both GPRS or GSM but can only be connected to one at the same time.

 Two new nodes introduced for packet data

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)
handles all packet data for the appropriate geographic area
monitors GPRS users handles security and access control may be regarded as the packet switched equivalent of the circuitswitched MSC

GPRS NSS

Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)

internetworking functionality routes incoming data to correct SGSN translates between different protocols and formats

Details of data services added to HLR

GPRS - Summary
Data capacity increased considerably Depending on configuration
@ 14.4 kb/s per channel, 115.2 kb/s achieved @ 21.4 kb/s per channel, 171.2 kb/s achieved

BUT up to 8 users per channel! Minimum set-up time always-on connection Charging determined by actual data not time

Integrating EDGE
Minimum changes to the existing network New Modulation scheme
8 phase shift keying (8PSK) 3 bits of information per signal pulse data rates increased by a factor of three

EDGE - NSS

Minimum impact on the core network SGSN & GGSN practically independent of data rates Some minor software upgrades

3G - UMTS
Mobile Station Base Station Subsystem Network Subsystem Other Networks ME BTS BSC MSC/ VLR GMSC PSTN

SIM

EIR

HLR

AUC

PLMN

RNS
Node B RNC SGSN GGSN Internet

USIM

ME

SD

UTRAN

Note: Interfaces have been omitted for clarity purposes.

UMTS - MS
User Equipment
Mobile Equipment UMTS SIM (USIM) Air interface
UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA)
W-CDMA TD-CDMA

UMTS BSS
Radio Network Subsystem Two new network elements
Node B
equivalent of a BTS supports a number of Node Bs equivalent of a BSC

Radio Network Controller

Obviously, UMTS has major implications for the BSS

CDMA BASICS
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) splits calls into fragments and send them over different frequencies simultaneously The use of multiple frequencies gives CDMA effective protection against interference and lost calls CDMA supports true packet switching and does not use time slots, therefore is more bandwidth efficient than TDMA -- also a more direct path to 3G Current CDMA penetration in the world market is about 27%

3G CDMA Architecture

CDMA2000-1xEVDO System Architecture (Basic)

BTS: Base Station, which creates a single cell BSC: Base Station Controller, which controls roaming and channel allocations amongst various BSTs and is also referred to as a Radio Network Controller (RNC). MSC: Mobile Switching Center, which performs the telephony switching functions and is usually connected to an SS7 network. PDSN: Packet Data Serving Node, maintains IP communications between all MNs and the Packet Data Network (PDN), which in this diagram is the Internet.

BTW, the US didnt pick ANY 2G standard--with predictable results

The US allowed adoption of multiple wireless network technologies, including:
IS-95 CDMA (cdmaOne) IS-136 TDMA iDEN (Nextel) GSM

Unlike Europe and Japan, the US now lacks a dominant 2G standard carriers and subscribers are using CDMA, TDMA, iDen, and GSM

Why do carriers want to move to 3G?

Faster speeds--able to handle more calls Efficiencies in data handling
Integration with the Internet technology

More capable, multi-media handsets and devices Global interoperability and roaming* Advanced services and more profitable revenue opportunities**

Some Urgent 3G Drivers

Need to increase wireless data revenues and ARPU as voice prices decline Staggering investment already made in preparing for 3G upgrades Pressure by device makers and governments
3G License clock ticking in Europe

Dramatic success stories:

Korea, Japan markets are embracing 3G

Fear of falling even further behind

Competition from WiFi as the high-speed alternative

Comparative Network Speeds

CDMA 1xEV/DO W-CDMA stationary W-CDMA moving CDMA 1xRTT GPRS CDMA PDC-P GSM/PDC 384 144 114 64 28.8 9.6 2400 2000

Theoretical data transmission speed kbps

Source: ITU.

3G Systems Overview

3G Migration
SOURCE: CDMA Development Group (CDG) CDG Migration Diagram

Mobility Overview
Future mobility will be provided with higher data rates and Ubiquitous access
This implies the need for seamless wide area and office coverage Future remote access techniques will mirror existing to protect current investments

Higher data rates and better coverage will be realized using disparate types of Wireless Technologies
Mobility across disparate networks is a significant change to the paradigm of current mobile networks. Mobility is attributed to L2 and L1 abstraction through use of IP (Mobile IP).

Data Rates and Ranges of Wireless Technologies

SOURCE: ITU

3rd Generation Wireless Vision

Extends current data applications & devices Enables breakthrough data services
2nd Generation 3rd Generation

Web Browsing
E-mail E-Commerce Telemetry Vertical Solutions Messaging

Full Web browsing

E-mail w/ Attachments

Streaming Audio & Video

Online Games

Richer E-Commerce
Multimedia Messaging

Video Telephony
Music Download

Vehicle Location
9.6 Kbps 28.8 Kbps 384 Kbps

Standards Evolution to 3G Worldwide

Japan
1st Gen
TACS

Europe/Parts of Asia
NMT/TACS/Other

Americas/Parts of Asia
AMPS

2nd Gen

PDC

GSM

TDMA

CDMA

3rd Gen

W-CDMA/UMTS

cdma2000

EDGE

cdma2000

Instead of solving the 2G network differences via 3G, we will continue to have W-CDMA and cdma2000 as separate networks. Both will be optional implementation modes in one 3G standard specification. Basic 3G phones will support one or the other. Global phones will be able to roam from one to the other.

Application Platforms For Cellular Networks

WAP: discredited in first outing, but still alive and well as a backend mobile server standard SMS: proven worldwide but just emerging in US; limited to plain text messaging MMS: standard behind the exchange of pictures from camera phones; also for many audio and graphic formats iMode: proven in Japan; export still in doubt J2ME (Java for mobile): large developer following and handset deployment; confused business models BREW: CDMA app platform: big in a few areas; clearer business and distribution model

Overview of WAP
WAP is an acronym for Wireless Application Protocol A WAP-enabled phone acts like a miniature browser with obvious limitations on graphical display WAP content is marked up in WML Wireless Markup Language Small client-side applications can be written in WMLScript (like JavaScript) Images are crude and delivered in wbmp format

WAP Architecture
WAP combines handset and server functionality: The mobile device has embedded browser software This browser connects to a WAP gateway and makes a request for information from a WAPenabled web server The content for wireless devices can be stored on any web server on the Internet, but the content must be formatted for the mobile device using WML

Early WAP Was Over-Sold

Wireless Internet Browsing conveyed WWW on the phonenot what subscribers experienced Expected WAP to quickly become the killer application builder for mobile commerce
Hundreds of new companies and thousands of WAP developers quickly went out of business instead

Currently WAP is valued as infrastructure for delivering content and messaging to phones
Re-emerging as Internet enabled phone client

Evolution of messaging
Rich Call
Mobile Multimedia
Versatility of Content and User Benefits Multimedia Message Service

Browsing

SMS

Picture Messaging

Text

Messaging

Text & Graphics

Digital image input

New content types Time

SMS
SMS=Short Message Service=Current Worldwide Killer Application
A basic text messaging service for sending messages
up to 160 characters to mobile phones Runs on separate channel from voice traffic-much cheaper for operators to carry text messages (started out as free service in many countries) Overwhelming user uptake in Europe and A/P -billions of messages sent each month; very profitable for carriers

SMS growth in Europe

60 50

Norway Finland Portugal Germany Sweden UK Spain

40% Mobile Penetration 50% 60% 70% 80%

SMSs/subs/month

40 30 20 10 0

Greece France
0% 10% 20% 30%

Italy

i-Mode
In 1999 Japanese wireless operator NTT DoCoMo decided to launch its own specially developed application environment for subscribers and to open its billing system to application providers DoCoMo developed a programming language based on HTML (cHTML), set up the billing and distribution infrastructure and manufactured a new breed of application friendly handsets. The service was branded as i-Mode

Importance of iMode Model

First to value the content/app provider part of the business model--developers get the revenues for application usage (minus 9% for DoCoMo to handle billing) Enormous popularity with very large range of titles and applications developed Viewed as a potential model for Europe & US (investment in AT&T Wireless, launch with KPN)

J2ME and BREW Applications Why Run Locally on the Handset?

Overcomes some of the issues with messaging applications No network/delivery delay in highly interactive apps like games

User not worried about cost of airtime or message delivery; one-time fee for downloading easier to present to the marketplace
Can use processing power of device to add speed, graphics, and logic support for richer user experience Simpler value chain for all players

New Phones Have MMS, WAP, Java (GSM) or BREW (CDMA) 400 million plus in 2003

What is J2ME?
Java 2 Micro Edition
Optimized Java programming and execution for mobile devices CLDC: Connected Limited Device Configuration MIDP: Mobile Information Device Profile Creates a Virtual Machine that runs programs on the device Makes it easy for large Java programming community to write mobile applications Apps can be downloaded from carrier sites, Java portals, or directly from developers No consistent business model to support revenue collection and marketplace management Nokia provides a marketplace at Tradepoint, but no testing and billing services

What is BREW?
Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless
Also a sly poke at Java from its Qualcomm creators Like Java, BREW runs a virtual machine on the handset Allows user to download an application once from the wireless network and then interact with content without using air time Supports graphics, etc. to make it suitable for games and interactive apps Applications written in C or C++ (or even Java) Well-organized BREW business model created and maintained by Qualcomm Testing and TrueBREW certification for apps For 20% of app revenue, Qualcomm manages marketplace

Wireless LANs

Wireless LANs
Wireless LAN networks, including 802.11 or Wi-Fi, are growing quickly for home and office applications Unregulated frequency bands - Quality of Service not guaranteed, but speed, low cost, and ease of implementation are compelling Very suitable for local data transmission and access outside operator networks - e.g. company internal solutions or home installations Being endowed with roaming capabilities and voice enabled devices to compete directly with carrierowned networks

Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) IEEE 802.11b 50m range approximately Data rates vary
11 - 56 Mb/s in theory
Higher with some proprietary extensions

7 Mb/s is more realistic

Walls can reduces range and throughput Number of users can reduce data rates

WLAN Overview
WLANs are specified by IEEE 802.11 standards:
RF & MAC Layer

802.11a: 5.8 GHz OFDM technology supporting typical ranges of 100m and 54 Mbps data rates. 802.11b: 2.4 GHz DSSS technology supporting typical ranges of 100m and 11 Mbps data rates. 802.11g: 2.4 GHz OFDM & DSSS technology supporting typical ranges of 100m and 54 Mbps data rates. 802.11i: MAC layer security using AES, 802.1x, and SHAExpected draft for 2004 802.11e: QoS features in the air interfaceExpected draft for 2004 802.11f: Inter Access Point Protocol (IAPP) for seamless interoperable roamingExpected draft for 2005

MAC Layer Features

All 802.11 standards can be used for Point-to-Point or Point-toMulti-Point configurations

Wi-Fi Problems
Security
Wi-Fi was not designed with robust security in mind operates in unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum competes with other products e.g microwave ovens!

Interference

Scarcity of hotspots

Bluetooth
1998 Goal: eliminate the need for cables Short range - 10m data rate - 1 Mb/s Example of an ad-hoc network
network formed on an as-needed basis

Bluetooth Topology
Piconet
Two or more Bluetooth devices One master
regulates traffic between devices

Remainder termed slaves

Scatternet
Two or more piconets

Note that a device can be a member of more than one piconet at a given time.

Satellite

Satellite Telephony
TYPE GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit) Altitude 35,800km LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Between 500km and 1500km Characteristics Large coverage footprint Small number of satellites Large propagation delay High power requirements Small coverage footprint Larger number of satellites Faster response time Low power requirements Short life span of satellites (due to increased radiation at low altitudes) MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) Between 5000km and 12000km Essentially between a GEO compromise and LEO Odyssey ICO Iridium GlobalStar Examples INMARSAT

satellites with the respective advantages and disadvantages being affected accordingly.

Integrated Wireless Services

Future of Mobility
Enterprise
WLAN
Gateway, HA, FA
Corporate LAN

Home AAA Server

Ethernet
VPN Firewall

802.11 Access Points

Current mobility is based on single wireless technologies. Future will allow automatic configuration for seamless roaming amongst various wireless technologiesand, hence, greater coverage (ubiquitous).

IP Backbone/ Internet

CDMA WSP
PDSN/FA/HA/Fir ewall
PCF

GSM/UMTS WSP
Public WLAN
GGSN/FA/HA/ Firewall SGSN

WLAN
Gateway & FA
Ethernet

MSC/RNC BS BS
802.11 Access Points

BSC BS
CGF

BS

Mobile devices can connect to office networks anytime from anywhere.

Multi-mode terminal w/MobileIP client & IPSec Client

Architecture of Seamless Enterprise Connectivity

WLAN-3G Integration Overview

WLAN/3G Integration Loose and Tight Methods

SOURCE: Bell Labs IOTA 3G-WLAN IEEE Communications Publication

There is not yet a defined standard architecture for 1x-EVDO WLAN Interworking via 3GPP2 (ITU CDMA2000 standards group), but loose integration is currently favored in preliminary drafts.
Loose integration makes most sense because it allows office WLAN, public hotspot WLAN, home WLAN, and operator WLAN access.

WLAN-3G Integration Overview

Two Types of Integration Services:
1. Simple IP Service: A mobile node (MN) acquires L2 authentication and then the WLAN gateway provides IP address.
This results in lost sessions from 1xEVDO to WLAN b/c of change of IP address Not optimized to support mobility.

2. Mobile IP Service: User can roam heterogeneous networks.

Utilizes mobile IP to allow IP address to seem unchanged to higher layer applications Optimized for mobility

WLAN-3G IntegrationMobile IP

IP Address is Constant

Using Mobile IP for Handoffs Used for Seamless Roaming

WLAN-3G Seamless Authentication

Authentication across multiple technologies must be seamless
Client driver intelligence to determine when to switch entirely from WLAN to CDMA, CDMA to WLAN, or WLAN to WLAN resulting in overhead usage but assuring higher layer sessions are kept active.
Software is responsible for Mobile IP on client Must support both interfaces (WLAN & 1x-EVDO) and corresponding access techniques: Office, Public Hotspot, Home, etc

WLAN-3G Seamless Authentication

Link security of interworking architecture must accommodate a mutual technique for authentication or client intelligence regarding which credentials to present for authentication.
For example: Client supporting hotspot proprietary access technique while office access is determined via 802.1x. Client must realize which network it is trying to access, and then present the proper authentication credentials. Similarly, if accessing the 1xEV-DO network, it must present proper credentials.